assignment geek.

This assignment is designed to get you thinking about how you would design a qualitative research study based on the concepts we’ve discussed in class. For this activity, you have a choice: You can choose to propose a qualitative interview research design or an ethnographic research design. You should only choose one . The explanation each option is outlined below.

 

Regardless of which option you choose, your final assignment should be 5-6 pages, typed, double-space in a 12-point font (Times New Roman or something similar) with one-inch margins on all sides. Assignments should be clearly written and free from all typos and spelling/grammar errors. Assignments not conforming to these specifications will be subject to grade penalties. Assignments do not need a title page; if you include references, you should format them according to APA 6th edition style.

 

OPTION 1:

 

Qualitative Interview Assignment Instructions:

For this activity, you are tasked with designing a qualitative interview studying any of the following:

 

• Relationship closeness

• Narcissism

• Academic success

• Social media

•  

You must choose to include one of the variables listed above in your study. In addition to this variable, you will need to decide on a specific context for studying your variable. This context should be reasonable and you will be asked to provide a rationale and justification for your choice in the paper.

 

Step 1: Introduction (1-2 paragraphs)

Once you’ve chosen your variable of interest, you should begin your paper by providing a conceptual definition for the topic you’ve chosen. You should also explain the context in which you plan to study your chosen variable. You should also articulate at least one research question you have regarding your chosen topic. You should also outline a justification for why your topic is relevant and interesting for research (remember—this justification should be rooted in course concepts).

 

Step 2: Methods (4-5 paragraphs)

Discuss your proposed interview design by waking through all steps of the interview process . While discussed these steps, be sure to identify your participants —how many you think you need, how you will gather your sample, and whether you need to consider any inclusion or exclusion criteria for your participants. Be sure to clearly identify a sampling method and outline how you plan to use that method to gather your sample. You should justify your choice of sampling method and discuss at least one benefit and one drawback inherent with your sampling method choice. You should also outline which qualitative interview design you would choose (semi-structured, unstructured, or focus group) and then explain, based on your chosen design, what your interview would look like. In an appendix included at the end of your paper, you should create an interview protocol with at least 8 questions . These questions should follow your chosen interview design and adhere to the principles of a positive interview as discussed in class. You should also discuss how you, as a moderator, will create an interview process and location that is appropriate. Identify at least 3 key to a successful interview that you will keep in mind, and 3 things you will avoid doing in your interview .

Outline how you as a researcher will treat your participants ethically in your interview design. Choose at least three of the five ethical principles and outline their relevance to your research and how you would address these issues in your design.

 

Step 3: Critique (4-5 paragraphs)

What are the overall weaknesses in your design? What are its strengths ? Discuss the merits of your study based in concepts from class (such as validity, reliability, generalizeability, representativeness, etc.). Outline at least two reasons why this design is superior to a quantitative research design (e.g., survey or experimental design) and at least one reason why it is superior to another qualitative research design (e.g., field research or content analysis). Additionally, discuss how you will plan to analyze your data using one of the analytic techniques we discussed in class, Include information about how you will decide when you’ve done enough interviews. Finally, choose one quantitative method and briefly explain how you could use this other method to triangulate your data. In your discussion, make sure to identify at least two benefits and one challenge of completing mixed methods research.

 

Using the criteria and format suggested above, write your paper.

Your paper should be 4-5 pages long, double-spaced with an additional one page appendix at the end (this is where you will outline your interview protocol). Your paper should address all of the questions raised above. When writing your paper, it is essential that you connect your answers to the questions detailed above to concepts discussed in class. For example, when asked about the justification for the study, you should base your justification in the criteria we discussed in class (novelty, contribution to ongoing discussions, and impact). Be sure to proof and correct your work.

 

Step 4: Upload your paper  under the correct assignment by the due date. Double-check to make sure that your assignment was successfully submitted through Sakai.

 

OPTION 2:

 

Ethnography Assignment Instructions:

For this activity, you are tasked with designing a field research study examining any of the following:

• Group membership in Alcoholics Anonymous

• Computer usage among elderly adults

• Educational access among rural children

• Work experiences among low-income retail workers

•  

You must choose to include one of the contexts listed above for your study. Because field research methods tend to be descriptive rather than explanatory, you will not identify another variable.

 

Step 1: Introduction (1-2 paragraphs)

Once you’ve chosen your variable of interest, you should begin your paper by identifying your context of interest . You should also provide a conceptual definition for this context. For example, if you choose to write about educational access, you should explain what, exactly, you mean by educational access. You should also articulate at least one research question you have regarding your chosen topic. You should also outline a justification for why your topic is relevant and interesting for research (remember—this justification should be rooted in course concepts).

 

Step 2: Methods (4-5 paragraphs)

Discuss your proposed field research. Identify your field site as well as your plan for gathering participants —including how your will identify your informants . You should also articulate the level of access you hope to attain. Discuss at length what your approach will be to the researcher/researched relationship. In this discussion, make sure to address any issues of deception that might be relevant. You should also discuss issues of objectivity and power as they relate to your research context. Identify at least three essential questions you will ask yourself as a researcher in this context, and explain how you will work to acknowledge your own perspective in the research. Additionally, you should discuss at least two criteria for how you will know you have spent enough time in the community to successfully complete your ethnography.

Finally, outline how you as a researcher will treat your participants ethically in your ethnographic design. Choose at least three of the five ethical principles and outline their relevance to your research and how you would address these issues in your design. These responses should specifically relate to the challenges we discussed in class about completing an ethnographic design .

 

Step 3: Critique (4-5 paragraphs)

What are the overall weaknesses in your design? What are its strengths ? Discuss the merits of your study based in concepts from class (such as validity, reliability, generalizeability, representativeness, etc.). Outline at least two reasons why this design is superior to a quantitative research design (e.g., survey or experimental design) and at least one reason why it is superior to another qualitative research design (e.g., qualitative interviews or content analysis). Additionally, discuss how you will plan to analyze your data using one of the analytic techniques we discussed in class. Finally, choose one quantitative method and briefly explain how you could use this other method to triangulate your data. In your discussion, make sure to identify at least two benefits and one challenge of completing mixed methods research.

 

Using the criteria and format suggested above, write your paper.

Your paper should be 5-6 pages long, double-spaced. Your paper should address all of the questions raised above. When writing your paper, it is essential that you connect your answers to the questions detailed above to concepts discussed in class. For example, when asked about the justification for the study, you should base your justification in the criteria we discussed in class (novelty, contribution to ongoing discussions, and impact). Be sure to proof and correct your work.

the notes i will send you later like last time.

deadline:dec.18.3:30